Tōru Takemitsu: Voice (1971)

"Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996) was a largely self-taught Japanese composer who gained national and international recognition as Japan’s leading composer during his lifetime, and his unique musical language represents a synthesis of varied styles and influences including Debussy, Messiaen, John Cage, and traditional Japanese music.
Takemitsu composed Voice in a single day on April 8, 1971, and it was premiered by Ryû Noguchi on June 9, 1971 at the 6th Cross Talk concert in Tokyo. Originally published in 1971, the current Salabert Editions version was prepared in collaboration with Pierre-Yves Artaud and published in 1988. Voice includes an array of extended techniques and theatrical elements including text recitation, microtones, singing while playing, key clicks, “pizzicato” articulation, air articulation, flutter tonguing, breathy tones, multiphonics, timbral trills, and growling. In the first edition of this work, the composer recommended the use of microphones in order to amplify some of the more subtle effects, but he no longer felt it was necessary in the present 1988 edition. The piece is also written in proportional notation which allows for the music to be presented as a series of gestural concepts rather than strictly-rhythmic ideas."
Source: Dr. Amanda Cook betweentheledg...
When I was first learning this piece I felt like I was exploring a my own psyche; an inner voice that had become an outwards manifestation. The flute is the voice and the voice is the flute and Takemitsu's piece has points of hysteria, confrontation, mystery, fear and then peace and tranquility that manifest in through these vocalisations. The piece is woven around the poetic text from “Handmade Proverbs” by Shizo Takiguchi, of which it is presented in both French and English.
"Qui va la? Qui que tu sois, parle, transparence!
Who goes there? Speak, transparence, whoever you are!"

[@everab1209]

I really liked your interpretation

[@cerimccoy]

Absolutely amazing, I thought I was hearing strings in places, shakuhachi in others!

[@phoebebognar]

There is so much SOUND happening right!? I love his exploration of timbre in this piece- from the way one articulates to the density of pitch. There is a colour for every note... which can be said for all music I suppose! Thanks for listening Ceri. x

[@elilisabeth]

very expressive, thank you Phoebe!

[@artfoursoul]

This is such a beautiful and dificult composition. Bravo

[@harmonyjanedebono]

You’re incredible 😍

[@phoebebognar]

Thank you for listening wonderful Harmony